Paddy Power has today launched a new charity initiative in which they pledge to donate €1,000 to the Down Syndrome Centre each time “the F word” is used by TD’s in the Dáil during 2010.

The idea was sparked by the recent outpouring of “unparliamentary language" by Green Party backbencher Paul Gogarty during a heated discussion on social welfare cuts.

Generous Paddy agreed to backdate the initiative to 01 December and has already donated €2,000 to the Down Syndrome Centre in light of Mr Gogarty’s recent indiscretions.
Paddy Power himself and Down Syndrome Centre spokesperson Jennifer White were outside Dáil Eireann today to launch the “F-Word” charity initiative and were sportingly joined by Minister Conor Lenihan TD and Deputy Leader of Fine Gael Richard Bruton TD both of whom made a token donation into a giant swear box.

Paddy Power said “We’re certainly not encouraging the use of bad language in the Dáil but if the red mist descends and the profanities slip, at least some good will come out of it!”
Jennifer Whyte from the Down Syndrome Centre said “Let 2010 be about New Year resolutions and let every public and private office have a swear box in place to support the Down Syndrome Centre”